Search form

Tulane Campus Services will remain in restricted operations mode until further notice. We have limited staff, services, and hours at this time. For more information on modifications to our services, click here.

Plant Operations / Utilities

The plant operations department is responsible for the operations of a combined heat and power plant that provides electric power and steam heat. The power plant has a peak load of 7 MW and a power generating capacity of 5 MW. The plant operations department has 5 centrifugal chillers with a total combined capacity of 11,000 tons, two gas fired boilers and one-heat recovery boiler, used to generate the steam that is required to heat the campus buildings, and research centers. These boilers have a total steam generating capacity of 102,500 lbs. per hour.

The utilities section of plant operations is responsible for providing utilities for the university 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Safety, reliability, and efficiency are the main goals. Services provided include maintenance and operation of the equipment in the power plant and buildings. Its staff keeps all power plant operating systems in good repair to make the campus a comfortable, safe and an attractive place. Our expertise includes but is not limited to rotation equipment operation and maintenance, utilities management, energy conservation, and maintenance.

Physical plant's responsibilities include the following services: HVAC, temperature control, energy management, elevator, fire, sprinkler, emergency generator, autoclaves, water treatment, equipment, and much more. Additionally, this group is also responsible for the 24/7 operations of the Central Cooling/Heating Plant, which provides cooling and heating for about 85% of our buildings on campus. Plant operations also serves as the after-hours call center for all campus emergency maintenance issues. A campus as large and complex as Tulane University can face facilities-related issues that must be addressed promptly. The engineer on duty in the power plant dispatches trade-specialized personnel who are on site and on-call to address these emergencies.

Utility services we provide at no cost:

Maintenance and repair of mechanical systems in all campus buildings. Window units, direct expansion (DX or package) systems, water coolers, refrigeration equipment, chilled water units and the central plant system serving academic buildings and residence halls. Maintenance and repair of controls for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in all campus buildings.

Operates and maintains the central plant, which generates steam and chilled water for heating and cooling of most campus buildings. It also responds to certain service calls

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) operating costs for all academic buildings Routine, preventive, and unscheduled/emergency maintenance of air conditioners (window units and DX units) in academic buildings and residence halls